Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled

09/15/2026

Do you know about BCID's warmline? We're here to listen and help you.

Alt text - Informational graphic for the BCID Disability Warmline. Shows a phone with the number 929-548-0818 and the BCID logo. Peer support every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

09/15/2026

It's Disability Voting Rights Week!

Disability Voting Rights Week graphic with the headings “Know Your Rights” and “Know Your Power.” It explains that voters with disabilities have the right to vote privately and independently, use accessible voting machines or ballot-marking devices, and receive assistance from a person of their choice. The graphic features a wheelchair user and the Disability Voting Rights Week logo.

09/15/2026

From our friends at NYAIL-

Webinar: Who gets to decide what: A discussion about guardianship, power of attorney, health care proxy and other methods of substitute decision making.

Date and Time: Thursday, September 24: 11:00 a.m.- Noon

Adults with disabilities have historically been subjected to unwarranted invasions of their autonomy to control their own lives, but some do have limited capacity and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Today, guardianship and other forms of substitute decision-making attempt to avoid stripping people of all of their rights while protecting them, with varying degrees of success. We will discuss how different forms of substitute decision-making work, the myths and misconceptions about them, and strategies for addressing the conflicts and confusion that arise in your efforts to return folks to the community.

Presenter: Sim Goldman, Attorney: Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley

American sign language and human captioning will be provided.

Adults with disabilities have historically been subjected to unwarranted invasions of their autonomy to control their own lives, but some do have limited capacity and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Today, guardianship and other forms of substitute decision-making attempt to avoid strippin...

09/04/2026

Last week, BCID's Elizabeth Valdez, presented on Transportation Advocacy at the NYC Self-Advocacy Association conference.

09/04/2026

Defend Community Integration Coalition Statement on Texas v. Kennedy Proposed Joint Resolution!

The Defend Community Integration Coalition (DCIC) strongly condemns the recent proposed joint resolution filed August 31 in the ongoing case Texas v. Kennedy. The proposed resolution aims to strike down the 2024 community integration regulations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This action flies in the face of decades of judicial precedent and Congressional intent to ensure that community integration remains a civil right for all people with disabilities.

As national disability rights leaders and allies, we have worked hard for decades to advance community integration as a foundational civil right for people with disabilities. We condemn any attacks aimed at undoing this work led by and for people with disabilities.

For people with disabilities, there is no right more foundational than the right to make our own choices. Far too often, we find ourselves in the position where others decide our lives for us. It takes a lot to ensure that the choices we have are real choices. It has taken years to build the supports we need to go to school, work, eat, stay housed, and raise our children.

As humans, we deserve the security of knowing that we have what we need to live our lives.

Life is not just about getting three square meals a day and getting our meds on time. It is about growing, working, loving, dreaming, failing and reaching our potential. It is about deciding when to get up, when to go out, what to eat, and with whom to live. It is hard to do these things when we are forced to stay in congregate settings where we have no say over most aspects of our lives.

Disabled people are survivors. We are spouses, parents, siblings, classmates, colleagues, and neighbors. Most of all, we are Americans determined to fight back against ideas and actions that take away our dignity and roll back years of hard-fought progress and rights.

As a coalition we will continue to work together and fight for the full realization of the community integration mandate. Community integration of people with disabilities is non-negotiable.

This is a monumental fight. In a moment like this, we need to join forces and work collectively. We are stronger together.

Join the Defend Community Integration Coalition:

09/03/2026

Disability employment is “workforce development, it’s economic development,” Bardsley said. “It’s taxable dollars. It’s smart investment in communities, businesses, and families. And when people with disabilities gain meaningful employment, everyone benefits.”

With another round of elections coming up, New York voters say they want more diversity in their workplace. However, this potential possibility wanes on the fate of the state’s Preferred Source Program, which is powered by state and local government purchasing, and has a sunset clause for the end ...

09/03/2026

Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), Sept. 14–18, 2026, is a nonpartisan movement led by AAPD’s REV UP campaign. This year’s theme, “Be an Accessible Democracy Defender,” celebrates community, advocates for accessible futures, and builds power.

Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW), September 14-18, 2026, is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities' REV UP campaign. DVRW is about advocating for accessible futures, celebrating community, and building power. The theme of Disability Voting Rights We...

09/02/2026

"For years, disability rights advocates have pushed state legislatures to change the limits, arguing they prevent people like Carter from accepting raises or building savings, for fear of losing crucial medical benefits. Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have eliminated such limits over the past five years."

https://tinyurl.com/3rv7dh4f

Photo of Erica Carter, of Sioux City, Iowa, says she enjoys her job, but when she learned her pay was too high for her to remain in an Iowa Medicaid program, Carter had to choose — leave the job or give up her benefits. She decided to stay.